24 TRAINING OF HORSES. 
as you pull from side to side, being watchful to avoid 
the possibility of his striking or kicking you, until you 
come within reach of his head, when you will gently 
put forth your hand and- allow him to examine it with 
his nose—that organ being the one made use of by all 
horses to test the danger or harmlessness of substances 
which alarm them. As he becomes accustomed to your 
presence, which he will readily do if you are gentle, you. 
will then proceed to carefully caress him over the face. 
and forehead, gradually extending your hand down his 
neck, being cautious not to touch his ears. As soon as 
he begins to cringe or grow restive under your hand,’ 
remove it and gently place it again near his nose, re- 
peating the former operation, extending the hand far® 
ther and farther at each repetition, until he becomes; 
calm. You will now quietly tie a knot through. the 
noose, so that it can not slip, leaving it quite loose, to- 
avoid hurting him. Remember that up to this point 
you have not Aurt the colt, snd have therefore called. 
out no undue resistance on his part. The main objec- 
tion to a rope halter has been that it was used in such 
a-manner as to hurt the colt. We obviate. this. objec- 
tion, first, by the short pull and slackening up before 
the resistance is excited; second, by tying the knot as 
soon as practicable, so that the noose can not tighten, 
around the nose. At any time after this during the 
process, when you can safely do so, you may, if. you 
choose, change to a strap halter. You will now step. 
back and repeat the pulling operation, being. careful 
